Facilitating Self-Determination in Adolescents with Intellectual Disabilities: A Curriculum

Haelewyck, Marie-Claire; Bara, Melanie; Lachapelle, Yves

Evaluation Review, v29 n5 p490-502 Oct 2005

Taking an active part and responsibilities in one's own life is not always easy, particularly at adolescence, which is a very important period in which people progressively find their identity and life project. This article describes the social validation analyses of a Belgian self-determination curriculum that was adapted from a French-Canadian curriculum. It was done with the participation of adolescents with intellectual disabilities, teachers, and experts from the field. Overall, results indicate a satisfying to very satisfying appreciation of the social utility of the training manual. The findings also highlighted that the curriculum actually supports the conceptual framework of self-determination.